This week on our WCTE Get Ready To Learn radio show, host Cynthia Whittaker Putman is joined by special guests Becky Roberson Magura, WCTE President & CEO and Tara Brown, highly respected educator, motivator, and super extraordinary human.
The show’s focus is on the recent tragic E-4 tornado that has impacted Putnam County.
Magura, who has been a part of the team at the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) praised the community for their volunteer spirit and working to add the victims of the storm.
Brown who grew up in Hurricane Alley remembers the effects that trauma from natural disasters has on children and their families.
Putman and Brown tackle some tough topics for families and children following a traumatic event. Brown stressed that making children feel safe and loved is the number #1 thing that parents, caregivers, and educators can do to eliminate stress. Having a caring and consistent adult in a child’s life is a positive factor for physical, emotional, and mental health.
Parents try to protect their children from things that cause them pain and distress. Many parents have reached out to Putman with this question, “When should I talk to my child about upsetting events?”
Putman and Brown both agree that public tragedies, natural disasters, and upsetting events like fires, illnesses, and death can be challenging for children and adults. Young children have many of the same feelings we have, but the way they understand events is different.
It’s important to talk directly with your child if there is an event that directly affects your child.
If the event is upsetting but does not directly affect your child, limit your child’s media exposure to minimize the fear that the event is recurring, but don’t shield them from the event itself.
Children often hear about events from overhearing conversations or from talking with their peers. Speak with your children about these events as well.
Observing how our children respond to a situation and listening to their ideas and concerns can help us find ways to reassure them. When our children are troubled, a strong loving relationship with a trusted adult is the best support we can offer.
Brown, whose focus has been to provide school systems, educators, parents, and children with practical ways build resiliency, believes that as children learn to cope with their feelings, they build more resilience and maturity.
How can I reassure my child?
- Deal with your own feelings before trying to reassure your child.
- Talk to other adults in your life and have conversations apart from your child and get the support that you need for your own worries.
- Be calm and emotionally refreshed so that you can reassure your child.
- When you are with your child, emphasize that you’re safe together. Spend time reading, cooking, playing games, and other nice, quiet activities. Be sure to spend extra time cuddling.
- Try your best to go back to regular schedules and daily routines. If you’re noticing that your child is behaving very differently or if your child’s symptoms worsen after two weeks, then you should consider seeking additional help.
https://pbskids.org/learn/when-something-scary-happens/
How do I talk to my child about upsetting events?
- Don’t refer to events that might upset or scare your child as “scary” or “terrifying.” Refer to the events or situations by name and let your child express the associated feelings.
- Begin the conversation by asking your child what he or she has noticed.
- Let your child’s questions lead the conversation. Don’t have just one conversation. Your child will need several conversations to cope with feelings and build resilience. It’s okay if your child doesn’t want to speak.
- Think about the places and times where your child is most likely to have conversations with you, and gently attempt to engage in the important conversations then.
WCTE and PBS KIDS have great resources for parents to use during the days ahead. Find more here.
Another free tool for parents and caregivers is Bright By Text. This texting service allows parents to receive free text that are specific for their child’s age.
A tip from Bright by Text might include advice on how to address difficult social-emotional issues with your child. It might include suggestions for ways to communicate more effectively with your child.
For more helpful tips, text "WCTE" to 274448. Sign up is simple and the free information is priceless!
